Lord Peter Mandelson has issued a personal apology to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, expressing regret for his continued association with the convicted sex offender. This apology follows recent criticism directed at the former US Ambassador after his correspondence with Epstein was made public in September.
In an interview, the Labour peer was asked if he would apologize directly to the victims for his connection to Epstein. Initially, Mandelson limited his apology to the women, acknowledging the lack of support and protection they deserved within a flawed system.
Following backlash, Mandelson provided a more comprehensive statement to BBC Newsnight, expressing remorse for believing Epstein’s lies and maintaining their relationship even after his conviction. He unequivocally apologized to the women and girls who suffered due to his association with Epstein.
Despite some Cabinet ministers and peers expressing shock and disappointment at his initial response, Mandelson clarified that he was unaware of Epstein’s crimes and had been misled by the predator. He acknowledged the gravity of the situation and expressed regret for not prioritizing the voices of the victims sooner.
Reflecting on his past interactions with Epstein, Mandelson admitted to naively believing in the financier’s innocence despite his criminal record. He acknowledged the embarrassing nature of the unearthed emails where he expressed admiration for Epstein and advocated for his early release.
Addressing his dismissal from his role, Mandelson accepted the decision made by Keir Starmer and stated his intention to move forward without seeking further debate on the issue.